OTTAWA, Canada — September 11, 2026: The Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, met with Google Global Lead for Civic Responsibility, David J. Lopez, in Ottawa, Canada, amid growing international discussions on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in elections. 

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Global Conference on Responsible AI and Elections, which took place in Ottawa from September 9 to 11 and brought together election management bodies and other stakeholders to examine the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence in electoral processes. 

Focus on AI and Electoral Processes

The engagement between Amupitan and Lopez comes as election authorities globally assess how emerging technologies can support electoral administration while addressing concerns around misinformation, election security, transparency and public trust.

Recent reports on the Ottawa conference indicate that discussions focused on the responsible application of AI and the need to manage potential risks associated with its use in elections. 

For Nigeria, the discussions carry particular relevance as INEC continues preparations for future elections and examines the role technology can play in strengthening electoral processes.

INEC Delegation

Amupitan was accompanied at the meeting by INEC’s Director of Information and Communication Technology, Dr. Lawrence Bayode.

The participation of the Commission’s ICT leadership underscores the technological dimension of the engagement, particularly as election management bodies worldwide consider the implications of increasingly capable AI systems for electoral operations.

The Ottawa conference reportedly attracted more than 200 participants from more than 60 countries, highlighting the international scope of discussions around responsible AI and elections. 

Broader Significance

The meeting between Nigeria’s electoral commission and Google’s global civic responsibility leadership reflects the growing intersection between technology companies and election management institutions.

As AI tools become more widespread, electoral authorities face the challenge of balancing technological innovation with safeguards that protect electoral integrity and public confidence.

For INEC, engagement with international technology stakeholders provides an avenue to exchange expertise and examine approaches to responsible technology use ahead of Nigeria’s next electoral cycle.